Maryland appears poised this year to expand the rights of same-sex couples, with the state legislature considering proposals on full marriage benefits as well as a compromise plan that would establish civil unions.

"This is about loving couples," Sean Eldridge, political director for the New York-based advocacy group Freedom to Marry, told lawmakers and supporters Tuesday at an event in Annapolis to promote gay marriage legislation.

Despite increased pressure from gay and lesbian advocates to “evolve” his position on marriage equality a little sooner, President Barack Obama did not delve into the issue for his Tuesday evening State of the Union address, one that focused heavily on strengthening the economy and fostering innovation in the face of a fiercely competitive global market.